When it opened in 2010, Saffire drew attention to the wonders of the remote Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast and injected it with a huge dollop of glamour. Inspired by the humble Tasmanian beach shack, this striking, stingray-shaped complex and satellite suites, situated on the shore of unspoiled Coles Bay and with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Hazards Mountains, connects the lodge sympathetically to the bush, the abundant wildlife, and famous white-sand beaches such as Wineglass Bay.
The rooms
The fourteen breathtaking suites (80-square-metres to 140-square-metres) are about as far from the humble beach shack as you can get in terms of their luxe appointments, which include vast marble bathrooms, generous sitting rooms, pillowy king-size beds, and complimentary (maximal) minibars, but they’ve cleverly retained the easy simplicity of a shack in their elegant use of stone, timber and natural fibres. All suites are integrated into the coastal bushland, with decks that face the staggeringly beautiful mountains and bay. Private Pavilions have heated courtyard plunge pools.
Food & drink
The lodge’s acclaimed restaurant with a view, Palate, is the place for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a new option of lunch served buffet-style in the comfortable lounge, where chairs have a ringside view of the mountains. There’s an open bar, with drinks served in the evenings by a cosy five-metre-long gas fire in winter. Palate draws its menus (dinner is à la carte or degustation or a combination of both) from a sensational array of Tasmanian produce and wine sourced from nearby fishing villages, cheesemakers and farmers, and ingredients such as honey, kunzea and vegetables grown on the property.
The service
A fabulous young staff – and some long-termers – prioritise guests’ personal tastes and whims with charming enthusiasm, while keeping all service delivery impeccable.
Ideal for: Sexy seclusions and gourmet gatherings with friends
Why we love it:
- The location. Views that rival Uluru and the accessibility to beaches, bushwalks, wineries and farms make Saffire Freycinet one of Australia’s premier but still under-the-radar destinations.
- The devils. Saffire is doing wonderful work in helping rescue this endangered icon, and the one-hectare, free-range devil enclosure on the property is one of the best ways to see these feisty creatures up close and personal.
- The Signature Experiences. From beekeeping, oyster farm visits and distillery tastings to an entrancing new Connection to Country Indigenous beach and bush walk with local Palawa man, Mick.
Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide
Celebrating the very best Australian hotels and resorts.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
